Antimicrobial nanofillers reinforced biopolymer composite films for active food packaging applications - A review

Active food packaging is crucial nowadays due to the rising consumer demands for less processed and preservative-free foods. Also, due to growing concern and overuse of synthetic non-biodegradable polymers, there is rising interest in renewable biopolymer materials in the packaging system. This review comprehensively discusses the status of sustainable biopolymer-based functional films incorporated with various antimicrobial nanofillers for active food packaging applications. The utilization of these nanofillers directly in packaging materials averts the use of preservatives in food. Hence, this review primarily focuses on the recent research advancements involving the utilization of antimicrobial nanofillers in biopolymeric food packaging materials. The biopolymers, mainly polysaccharides, protein, and synthetic polyesters-based, originated from various sources like plants, animals, or microorganisms are briefly reviewed. Further, the antimicrobial nanofillers used in the preparation of bio-based composites are comprehensively discussed. The recent progress on using various biopolymeric nanocomposites in antimicrobial food packaging is also summarized. Finally, the issues related to safety concerns about the use of bio-based nanocomposite are also briefly stated.